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Post by DataNinja on Jan 21, 2016 0:56:02 GMT
"Ah, don't mention it. It's nothing, just sharing a meal. And sure. They have to have good chow, too, no?"
When the Marshtomp and Riolu begin nibbling on the berries, she says, smiling, "Aw, it's so cute watching them eat. Like dainty little flowers. That could knock your block right off."
"As for the spring? Well, legend says that Suicune created it. And the power of the gods has been disappearing... My brother and I were trying to find some of the guys upstairs, or, we were before I lost him. Anyways, yeah, so, spring... Erm, it would figure that if the divine juice is leaving the world, so too would the stuff it made. In this case, the bubbling brook that is the Godspring."
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 21, 2016 1:10:27 GMT
Braxton sat pensively. "I will admit to hearing something similar, but to be perfectly honest I am not sure what to make of all that. I've never been a very godly person. I've heard the stories and I think they're interesting and all... I just haven't really seen enough to believe in it. I mean... why would today have happened if there were Gods looking over us. If Suicune was so compassionate towards people that she cried in order to allow humanity to be prosperous, why would people like the Snakebites freely harm good people like you without doing anything about it? It just seems... strange to me.Braxton fell silent for a while and looked out to the setting sun. "It is a nice night though. A shame there weren't more people around to watch the sunset." Braxton is going to consider what she has said so far and wants to think about whether or not she seems to have been honest with him-- paranoia is a thing 15 perception 10 intuition didn't know which to go for
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 21, 2016 2:21:00 GMT
"Well," she says, shrugging, "all I can tell you is what I know. I've cast my peepers on things that can only be explained by the gods. It's not like it's your average Joe Shmoe common, but, I've seen some. Those who have prayed and been miraculously healed from illness. Things like Strangetide's waters can't be explained otherwise. That sort of stuff."
"But, the whole kerfuffle is, sure, the gods could solve everything, but I know I, for one, wouldn't be all okie-dokie with that. Where would all of us be if gods just solved every tussle and spat?"
"And, eh, who needs more peeps?" Lillian asks with a smile. "You've been fine enough company as it is."
You get the feeling that she's being truthful with what she's been telling you.
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 21, 2016 12:05:46 GMT
Braxton stared ahead, "Aye, I suppose." He never really bothered himself too much with the notions of Gods. They might be out there, but given everything he had seen in the world, he wasn't too sure he'd enjoy meeting them.
He looked over the the eccentric blue-haired girl beside him and gave her a small smile, "I have had no complains for the company on my end."
He felt very content here. The sun had dipped below the horizon now, and the first couple stars were becoming visible. It was nice to be able to see stars. From all the bright lights in Azure Cove, you could never see many, if any depending on the day.
"So, are you staying here at the centre as well, or are you elsewhere? We might want to start walking if you have other accommodation. Given what's happened today, I feel like this city at night is probably less pleasant than in the morning."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 21, 2016 15:43:24 GMT
"I was just planning on conking out here for the night." she says, "No sense in going for something that isn't free when...erm, you've got something that is. It may not be the most high-falutin' place, but it's somewhere to stay. I'd already stashed my bags here earlier, before going out and, uh, getting lost."
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 22, 2016 1:10:53 GMT
"That sound reasonable. I do not know if you have any other business tonight, but it seems to be getting late. Perhaps it would be best to get some rest and pick up where we left off tomorrow morning? I would like to get out of the city and try to train out there for a bit, if you would like to join we could make a day of it?" There's nothing else really for Braxton before bed haha
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 22, 2016 1:31:24 GMT
"Alright," she says, "that sounds spiffy. I'll be up right and spry, then... unless you like your sleep, that is. Night, then."
In the morning, the sun rises bright and early, and it looks like it's going to be another nice, clear day. Of course that isn't really good news for the city, because they kind of need water, but for people, it's brilliant weather. A great day for training, relaxing, or tracking down some thugs. To each their own.
Whenever you come down from the sleeping area, you find Lillian downstairs, munching on what looks like a large bag of trail mix - nuts, dried berries, granola, and the like. Maybe you'd better stick to safer stuff like that, avoid experimenting.
"Ah, good," she says, grinning, "you didn't just decide to sneak out and abandon me here. I appreciate that."
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 22, 2016 2:38:24 GMT
Braxton woke early that morning and looked out the window at the rising sun. A good day for training, let's see what the world has to offer us today.[/font]
Braxton suited up. He pulled on a loose fitting shirt and some comfortable pants. He'd be training as well, so he had to make sure he could move. He let Ruairidh and Blaire out of their Pokéballs, and they went downstairs to the kitchen area. He noticed Lillian smiling and went to sit down with her. He stuck with some more meats, some toast and a few eggs. Protein loading for the workout.
"I wouldn't dream of it. I gave you my word, I intend to stick to it. Once we're done, I would like to get away to head just north east of here. See what we can see. Do you know if they will let us take any of this food away?
Have you got anything in particular that you'd like to get done today? I am more than happy to help you with anything you are wanting to do."
He made sure he had packed his rucksack with the things he would need, a bit of water, and some basic rations.
Braxton finished his food and ensured that Blaire and Ruairidh had eaten their fill. He made sure to search for the counter attendant from the previous day and thank him before setting out.
"How you doing Lillian? Ready to go?"
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 22, 2016 2:53:46 GMT
"Ah, good to see a grander choice of chow than that...goo from last night. And, yeah, as long as you don't get greedy they're dandy with you taking food."
"Well, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to swing by that place that the chap was talking about. Uh... Kelly's Whatsit whatever... See if she's got some info. Hopefully be able to find my pendant before it gets sold, or something... But, yeah, I'm all spiff to go when you are."
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 22, 2016 15:02:47 GMT
Braxton paused. He wanted to wait to get this information as fresh as possible before he went to pursue the Snakebites, but this probably wouldn't hurt.
"Very well, we can see her first. To be perfectly honest with you, I know time is of the essence, but I am wary of going after these rogues without getting in some training first. We will be going in on their turf and will very likely be outnumbered, so we need to try and be as prepared as we can be. I just wanted to be up front with you, as I do not think we'll be fighting them today. I apologise."
Before they left, Braxton stopped by the front desk to see the attendant. In a hushed tone, Braxton asked, "Sir, if it is not outstepping your boundaries too much, could you please tell anybody that you know to have been targeted by these Snakebites, or anybody that you see that you suspect has been a target, that there is somebody who is trying to stop them, and that if they have information or anything that might help, to meet at the rooftop garden tonight at sundown? Many thanks friend."
Braxton turned to Lillian and gave her a half-smile, "Well, let's go see what our friend Kelly can do to help."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 22, 2016 16:04:23 GMT
"I can see where you're coming from, yeah. Well, you're the Trainer, so you know whatcha need to do. I'm sure you've got way more experience with kerfuffles like this, and how to handle them. Because I don't thing my usual plan of 'ask politely' is really going to hold water here." She grins at the end.
"That's just the thing. Most of whom have been targeted have been travelers such as yourself. Those who don't know the area well, and are more likely to be carrying around valuables with them. And none of them are in the Center. Well, you've probably guessed that, what with the state of our tourism and such." He gestures with a wide sweeping motion to encompass the entirety of the empty Pokémon Center. "If I think of anything, I'll do it but..." he looks around a bit nervously, "Truth be told, most people just don't care. As long as it doesn't interfere with their lives, they're good."
Leaving the Center, you follow the instructions that the Attendant gave you - and keep to the brighter streets - eventually coming to a plain, wooden door that you probably would have passed over if you weren't given the address. A plain sign on the door, the only sign that it was even a separate entity, says "Kelly's Stop and Shop". A bell chimes as you enter.
Going in, the first thing you notice is that the inside actually is a fair bit bigger than it looks from the outside. Scattered around seems to be a little of everything. Trinkets, odds and ends, even some pre-packaged food in one section. "Hold on a second," a female voice calls from the back, "I'll be right out!" A minute later, a short, thin woman with green hair coming down to her waist comes out from the back, a Golett in tow holding...something. Who knows? "Hey, Sticks," she says, turning to the Golett, "put that back in the back. I still need to catalogue it. Oh, yeah, customers. Hi there, I'm Kelly. What can I do for you today?" Wow, she really is short. Not even five feet. Probably not best to mention that if you want to be diplomatic, though...
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 22, 2016 16:26:33 GMT
Braxton stood tall as he walked through the door, by this point, both Ruairidh and Blaire had returned to their Pokéballs. He stopped outside the door and looked it up and down. He had no idea what happened in their. From his experience with people who deal in information, he was no huge fan. These people knew about the corruption and evil that goes on around them, and instead of acting to stop it they profited from it. If anything, these people were just as much a part of the problem as those who defiled justice to begin with. Regardless, Braxton needed this woman's assistance if he was going to find and stop this gang. He opened the door and held it open for Lillian to enter. Upon seeing the woman and her pokémon enter the room, Braxton began to size them up. This was not a pokémon he was familiar with, but based on the way it moved and looked, he imagined it was slow. Never assume with a new enemy though. The woman was a mystery. This entire place was a mystery. What did they even sell? Everything? Who bases their business model on selling everything? That can't be financially viable. I truly hate you Walmart Hello there ma'am, my name is Braxton Rannells. I have been referred to your shop, as from what I am told it is the place a person might go if they had questions."
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 22, 2016 16:34:14 GMT
"Ah. I see that you already know what my main product is," she says, with a small smile. You notice it doesn't reach her eyes, though. "I'll cut to the chase, then. You can ask away for questions... I'll let you know what I consider the answer to be worth. So, what are you wanting to know?"
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 22, 2016 17:16:29 GMT
Braxton clenched his jaw slightly. I only hope this is not too costly. I don't exactly have an abundance of resources at my disposal.
"We are looking for a group of crooks. The go by the name of Snakebite. They stole something very important and I indend to get it back.
I do not have much to offer in return for information, so I will ask several questions and you can tell me how much each is worth.
First, what can you tell me about the snakebites? Areas of operation, methods, goals, etc.
Second, where would I find them? Where do they keep the things they have stolen from people?
Third, what is their weakness? I know not all of them have pokemon, is this true for the majority of their ranks, or are they particularly unguarded in certain areas?
Fourth, when is the best time to strike them?
Finally, if they were to sell stolen goods, who is their fence, and where am I like to find them?"
Braxton knew he wouldn't have the money for all these questions, but if he could get even a few answers, it would be a start.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 22, 2016 21:14:10 GMT
"Now, hold on there, bud," she says, piercing green eyes fixed on you. "That's more than five questions there. But first I'll tell you which one's I won't answer."
"Won't, or can't?"
"...not important. Anyways, it's more than my life's worth to tell you who their fence is. I wouldn't live the week." She pauses, those eyes still fixed on you. Does she ever blink? "Ahem, other than that... I can easily tell you where their 'turf' is, as well as their home. Weaknesses, I think I've got some information that might help you. Best time to strike? I can give you that, if you tell me what parameters for 'best time' you want. Okay, give me a second..."
"Okay, so, disregarding the question I will not answer, I think I can answer those for 500 each." She gives a small sneer, something resembling avarice glinting in the depths her eyes. "And here I thought you'd be giving me hard questions. So. Which will you cough up for?"
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 23, 2016 1:29:11 GMT
Braxton's expression never changed as the green haired lady spoke. "Very well. I apologise Lillian, but I am afraid I do not have enough resources to purchase a single question. Ma'am, I understand that this is a business that you run; however, I pray that you understand the situation we are in.
Lillian here has just been ribbed of all her possessions, and I myself have not got much to my name since my father died. The most I can offer by way of currency is 100.
That being said, I understand that women in your position will often deal in barter. If you are among these ranks, I can humbly offer my own service in return for at lease some of these answers."
Braxton clearly did not like this woman. However, he had given his word to Lillian that he would help her retrieve her pendant. This seemed like the simplest way to his goal, so he would have to try his best to use the resources available to him.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 23, 2016 1:45:33 GMT
Kelly stares at him for a long moment, squinting. "You're lying." But then she gives a small smile. "But audacious. And almost convincing. I like that. Very well, I'll answer one of your questions for 100." Her tone goes cold. "But don't try pulling one over me again. Understand that I am under no obligation to help you. I don't care about what goes on in your lives. However..." she thinks. "I suppose I could answer another one, in exchange for a favour, to be redeemed at a moment of my choice. That is my final answer. Take it or leave it."
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 23, 2016 3:51:10 GMT
Braxton's gaze never faltered. "I assure you, I have never lied to you. The resources that I have on my person that are distributable to a cause such as yours are extremely limited. Believe me or not, I promise you that I have not uttered a lie.
As to which question I will purchase. For 100, I will ask where the Snakebites are most vulnerable.
If you wish a favour of me, I place the following caveat on the favour. That is, I will do anything that you wish provided that it does not harm, directly or indirectly, any living being that I love or care about. I forfeit my morals and pride unto you, provided you follow those conditions."Braxton stepped one more step into the shop, "I assure you that this is the best you will get from me. I am in a position to obtain much information that will potentially be extremely valuable to you and your organisation. The only thing I ask is a guaranteed protection. What say you?"His claim that this is not a lie is true. He would outright die before giving up all his resources, so his maximum to pay for a question would be 200. if she accepts the offer and answers another question, could it be giving the area of their HQ?
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 23, 2016 4:14:39 GMT
"Ah, yes... the 'distributable' part. That would limit things, now. I see. Though, I understand that not everyone can be as successful as I am," she says, with a hint of condescension in her voice. "Very well. Their vulnerability? They don't want to kill. They're all bluster. If they feel threatened or cornered, they'll lash out, but they're more concerned with commanding fear and - in their minds - respect. And filling their pockets. Dead men do none of that. Plus there's only a dozen of them. They like to make you think that there are more, by travelling in large groups. Plus they only have two Pokémon. For another fee, I can let you know what those are."
Kelly ponders for a moment, before speaking. "Yes, those terms are acceptable to me. So, their location... Spook, grab a town map from the back." A few moments later, a Duskull comes from the back, carrying a folded sheet of paper. "Here is the location of which you seek," she says, pulling out a pen and circling a specific building on the map, before rattling off an address. "I'd hope you can read a map."
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Post by loganto87 on Jan 24, 2016 2:46:28 GMT
Braxton took the map and carefully placed it in his bag. He never dignified the green-haired lady with a response.
"I will assume that a woman in your line of work will find me when payment becomes due."
Braxton left. He was not pleased with the way events transpired, though he was not surprised that they had ended as they did. She dealt in information. She was clearly crooked and gained much of her information and services through means such as the predicament he had found himself.
Turning to Lillian, Braxton said, "I do apologise for back there. There are few people in this world that are as deplorable as people in her position. To have the wealth of knowledge that she has and not to use it to help people in vulnerable situations, choosing instead to profit from it... I cannot imagine her mindset.
Now that I am indebted to her, I fear what may be asked of me. However, I gave you my word, and now we should be able to confront them knowing what we know. Are you alright if we begin training now?"
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